Multi function exercise apparatus with resistance mechanism

ABSTRACT

An exercise apparatus providing a User multiple different exercises, including both resistance movements and isometrics. The User interacts with the apparatus by grasping a bar. A resistance mechanism is symmetrically mounted on a second bar and provides infinitely variable resistance to the User, as well as soundproof operation. A vertical column allows infinite positioning of the bars for different exercises, and a bench provides support. The User can change the exercise resistance by verbal commands, or the apparatus can sense the torque applied by the user to the apparatus and vary the exercise resistance in response to the force applied by the User or the speed at which the user is moving the bar. The apparatus can be battery powered and operated at locations where electric service is unavailable, or in zero gravity. To verify accuracy, the resistance can be calibrated against a known quantity of weight.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of and claims priority fromU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/194,256, filed Jun. 27, 2016,pending.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to exercise apparatuses, and morespecifically to an exercise apparatus that allows for multiple differentbodily exercises.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many types of exercise machines that have been developed, allintended to offer some unique method of exercise for the User, orimproved convenience of design or operation. The universe of suchdevices can generally be split into two different types: those that useactual weights, also known as free weight, to provide the resistance;versus those that do not use actual weights, but instead use some othermeans such as stretchable cords, pneumatic cylinders, electric brakes,torque bands, or any number of other methods.

There are many exercise machines that have been developed that do notutilize free weights for their resistance force; and the subjectinvention is in the category of the devices that do not use free weightsfor exercise resistance.

Previous attempts such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,730,686 and 4,436,303 and4,257,593 have each presented a multi-functioned exercise apparatus; butthese devices do not employ an infinitely adjustable resistancemechanism, symmetrically mounted on a bar.

Other attempts such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,518,163 and 4,828,257 and4,934,694 and 4,930,770 and U.S. Patent Application Publication US2009/0247367 A1 have presented exercise apparatuses that can react tothe movements of the User while performing exercises; but all theseapparatuses rely on the measurement of something other than the actualforce applied by the User to the apparatus, to then make adjustments inthe exercise resistance or other variables presented to the User.

Additional attempts such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,892,159 B2 and 5,605,524and 4,728,101 have used various types of vertical columns or verticalscrews or vertical rails to provide adjustment for the User of theexercise resistance or vertical height of the apparatus; but theseapparatuses do not allow for quick and infinite adjustment of thevertical height of the exercise apparatus, in relation to the User.

Later attempts such as U.S. Pat. No. 7,927,262 B2 and U.S. PatentApplication Publication US 2006/0189457 A1 have presented an exerciseapparatus design that is collapsible, to be stored out of sight in ahome; but these apparatuses do not allow for infinite adjustment of theexercise resistance.

As a result of the above, and notwithstanding all the attempts made overmany years, there remains a need for an exercise apparatus that willallow for a quick and efficient bodily workout for Users at all levelsof physical ability; with infinitely variable resistance and infinitelyvariable vertical adjustment, that is inherently quiet in its operation,and that can respond to the needs of the User as would otherwise requirea human spotter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is intended to introduce the subject apparatus in asimplified format, which is further described below in the BriefDescription and Detailed Description. This summary is not intended tolimit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The inventive subject matter comprises an exercise apparatus that willprovide a quick, convenient, and effective exercise routine for Users ofall ages and sizes; and can be configured to address the specific needsof many types of Users ranging from the young to the elderly, from theinfirm to professional athletes.

This apparatus will offer several advantages. One is to provide anexercise apparatus with infinitely and easily adjustable resistanceforce in either direction of exercise movement, that is both symmetricalto the User and that remains constant throughout the entire range ofmotion. This exercise device will also allow for infinite verticaladjustment capability of the exercise bar that is in contact with theUser.

Additionally, one configuration of the exercise apparatus can respond tothe amount of force that the User is applying to the apparatus, suchthat the apparatus can change the amount of the resistance force appliedto the User, in response to the amount of force that the User isapplying to the apparatus.

This exercise apparatus can also be configured to respond to verbalcommands of the User, such that the apparatus can provide the assistancethat would otherwise require another human to provide. It is thereforemore convenient than a human spotter, as this apparatus can change theresistance with greater accuracy in response to the verbal commands ofthe User, in contrast to a human spotter who has no way of respondingwith any degree of accuracy to give the User the exact amount ofassistance that the User desires at that moment.

Another feature of this apparatus is that it does not utilize freeweights for the resistance force applied to the User, but it can becalibrated against a known quantity of free weight so that the User canselect a desired level of resistance force to be applied by theapparatus, such that the selected amount of resistance will be the samelevel of resistance as it would be if the User were performing the samemovement with that equal quantity of free weights, as measured inpounds.

One configuration of this apparatus can be provided that is notdependent on external power and can therefore be used in locations wherepower sources are permanently unavailable, or recreational areas such asat the beach, on manned vehicles in outer space; or for use in medicalcare facilities, hospitals, or nursing homes, during periods whenelectricity is temporarily unavailable but patients still have an urgentneed for daily exercise.

This exercise apparatus can be operated by the User through any range ofmotion or level of resistance, while maintaining a sound level from theapparatus of no more than thirty decibels; thereby making it convenientfor a User to exercise on the apparatus without disturbing other peoplenearby such as in a small apartment or even in an office. And, oneconfiguration of this apparatus can be mounted in a shallow recess in awall so as to be out of sight when not in use.

An additional configuration of this device can be adapted for use bypatients in a health care facility, who are bedridden or who have verylimited mobility. The apparatus can also provide multi positionisometrics.

A further advantage of this apparatus is that the resistance mechanismsas utilized, are all manufactured with specific torque ratings from themanufacturer. A mathematical calculation can be performed, based on themanufacturer's torque rating of the resistance mechanism as configuredon the apparatus, which will indicate the maximum exercise resistance,in pounds, that will be available at the exercise bar for the User.Thus, it is possible to accurately match the capability of the apparatusto a specific User or range of Users, who may have particularly high orlow average bodily strength.

And, the apparatus can be configured with extremely high levels ofexercise resistance provided to the User, such that it would bephysically impossible for any User to need more resistance force thanthe apparatus would be capable of providing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject apparatus, in accordance with one or more configurations, isdescribed with reference to the following figures. These drawings areprovided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typicalconfigurations of the apparatus. These drawings shall not be consideredlimiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of the invention. Forclarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily madeto scale.

FIG. 1 is a left front view of one configuration of this apparatus, asset up for a Bench Press exercise.

FIG. 2A is an exploded view from the left side of the apparatus, showingthe components of the vertical column and support bench.

FIG. 2B is an expanded view of the vertical column base.

FIG. 2C is an expanded view of the bench support.

FIG. 3 is an expanded view showing the battery box, electric air pump,toggle switches, air pressure gauge and air relief valve.

FIG. 4 is an expanded view showing a tablet type mobile voice sensingreceiver, mounted on the vertical column.

FIG. 5 is an expanded view showing the manual hand crank.

FIG. 6 is an expanded view showing the manual air pump and air hose.

FIG. 7A is an exploded view showing the components of the pneumaticallyactuated resistance mechanisms.

FIG. 7B is a rear view showing the electric resistance mechanism mountedon the support bracket.

FIG. 7C is an exploded view of one of the magneto elastic torquesensors, and the electro magnetic particle brakes, and stepper motor,and second torque sensor; mounted on the support bracket.

FIG. 7D is an expanded view of the electro magnetic particle brake.

FIG. 7E is an expanded view of the solid state controller.

FIG. 7F is an expanded view of the voice recognition module.

FIG. 8A is an exploded top view of the support bracket, vertical column,linear bearing rods, and screw.

FIG. 8B is an exploded view of the adjustment knob, compression plate,and bearing.

FIG. 9A is an expanded view of two pneumatically actuated resistancemechanisms, mounted on the support bracket.

FIG. 9B is an expanded view of the stepper motor with an electromagnetic particle brake on either side, mounted on the double flangesupport bracket.

FIG. 9C is an expanded view of the double flange support bracket, with abearing in each flange.

FIG. 9D is an expanded view of the single flange support bracket,showing the internal upper and lower vertical screw connecting nuts.

FIG. 10 is an exploded side view of the drive motor, vertical screw,mounting brackets, and screw coupling hubs.

FIG. 11 is an expanded side view of the vertical screw, support bracket,and the support bracket to vertical screw connecting nuts.

FIG. 12 is an exploded side view showing the linear bearing, supportbracket and adjusting crank.

FIG. 13 is an expanded side view of the vertical column and supportbracket as configured with internal roller bearings.

FIG. 14A shows a space saving configuration with a single resistancemechanism and the support bracket, mounted on a flat surface; with amanual air pump and the exercise bar for the User.

FIG. 14B shows the space saving configuration of FIG. 14A, as folded tofit inside a shallow wall recess.

FIG. 15A shows another space saving configuration, comprised of a singleresistance mechanism and the support bracket; with the vertical columnand hand crank, attached to a flat surface, with a manual air pump andthe exercise bar for the User.

FIG. 15B shows the space saving configuration of FIG. 15A, as folded tofit inside a shallow closet.

FIG. 16A shows a configuration with extended arms, a rolling base, andbase extensions for stability.

FIG. 16B shows the apparatus of FIG. 16A, with the arms raised up, readyto be moved to another location.

FIG. 17A shows the apparatus set up with a known quantity of free weightplaced on top of the exercise bar of the apparatus, which will allow theapparatus to calibrate itself; and a human is shown in a gray scale viewperforming a Bicep Curl exercise.

FIG. 17B is an expanded view of the free weight support bracket.

FIG. 18A is a side view of the apparatus, as configured with a mobiledevice, magneto elastic torque sensors, electro magnetic particlebrakes, and stepper motor; as well as a leg extension station mounted onthe far end of the bench, and a Dead Lift station to the left of thevertical column.

FIG. 18B is the same view as FIG. 18A, with the addition of a human, toshow the Dead Lift exercise being performed.

FIG. 18C is an exploded side view of the leg extension assembly.

FIG. 18D is an expanded top view of the leg extension assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These detailed descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise form disclosed; as the invention canbe practiced with numerous modifications and alternate configurations.This description is intended to be read in connection with theaccompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entirewritten description of this invention. The drawing figures are notnecessarily to scale and certain features of the invention may be shownexaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the interest ofclarity and conciseness.

The invention is applicable to other embodiments or of being practicedor carried out in various ways; and the invention will be limited onlyby the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. As used herein and in theappended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. All of thephraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

The terms “torque” and “force” are used herein. Torque is generallydefined as the tendency of a force to cause rotational motion; andtorque is determined by multiplying the applied force by the distancefrom the pivot point to the point where the force is applied. As relatesto this apparatus, the “pivot point” would be a tension bar describedbelow; and the “applied force” would be the User's exertion against anexercise bar described below. While the terms “torque” and “force” havedistinct meanings, the use of these words herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. For example, onecomponent of the apparatus as described below is a “magneto elastictorque sensor.” However, it may be the case that an OEM vendor willalternatively create a sensor for this apparatus which measures forcerather than torque; and thus the distinction of “force” versus “torque”should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the invention, includingthe claims and the equivalents thereof.

FIG. 1 shows this exercise apparatus set up for a standard exercisemovement such as the Bench Press. There is an exercise bar 31 that isattached to a connecting bar left 33 and a connecting bar right 34,which are attached to a tension bar 32. The best length for the bars 33and 34, and for the exercise bar 31 and thus the tension bar 32, willdepend on the stature of the typical Users. The apparatus as presentlyconfigured has a length of thirty six inches for the connecting bars 33and 34 from tip to tip, and thirty two inches for the exercise bar 31and the tension bar 32 from tip to tip, which will work well for themajority of typically sized Users.

The connecting bars 33 and 34 will best have indentations cut into bothsides as shown, in order to reduce the weight of the bars 33 and 34. Theattachment of the bar 31 to the bar 33 and the bar 34 will best beaccomplished as a zero tolerance press fit. The tension bar 32 goesdirectly through and is supported by a resistance mechanism left 41 anda resistance mechanism right 42. The resistance mechanisms 41 and 42 areattached to a resistance mechanism bracket 71. The bracket 71 isattached to a vertical column 91 and a linear bearing rod left 94 and alinear bearing rod right 95, and is able to move up and down. There is adrive motor 36 that is attached to the column 91. The column 91 is heldupright by a vertical column structural base 101, and the base 101 isstabilized by a vertical column base leg left 102 and a vertical columnbase leg right 103. There is a bench 111 that a User can sit or lieupon, which is supported by a bench leg rear 114 and a bench leg front115; which are supported by a bench floor brace rear 119 and a benchfloor brace front 120 respectively and are stabilized by a bench crossbrace 118.

FIG. 2A shows an expanded view of the column 91 and the bench 111components. The motor 36 is mounted on top of the column 91, with theresistance mechanisms 41 and 42 mounted on the bracket 71. There is anexercise bar sleeve 35 that surrounds the bar 31 and gives the User acomfortable object to grasp while performing bodily exercises, to avoidany risk of blistering the hands as would likely happen without the barsleeve 35. There is a groove at the ends of the bar 32 which will accepta connecting bar key insert 202. The key insert 202 is held in place bya connecting bar clamping bolt 201 and with proper tightening of thebolt 201, the bars 33 and 34 will remain fixed in position relative tothe tension bar 32, such that any movement of the exercise bar 31 willcause a rotation of the tension bar 32.

There are two linear bearing rods, the linear bearing rod left 94 andthe linear bearing rod right 95, that are held in a vertical position bya linear bearing rod upper bracket right 93 and a linear bearing lowerbracket right 97 and a linear bearing rod upper bracket left 92 and alinear bearing lower bracket left 96.

The vertical column base leg left 102 and the vertical column base legright 103 are held in position in the base 101 by the pressure that isapplied by a bench assembly bolt 203, which causes a brass compressionplate 99 to be pressed firmly into a suitably sized notch in thevertical column base leg left 102 and the vertical column base leg right103, which keeps the base legs 102 and 103 in a fixed position formaximum rigidity of the entire exercise apparatus.

The bench 111 is attached to a bench leg upper bracket rear 112 and abench leg upper bracket front 113 by a bench bracket bolt 212 in severallocations that go through the brackets 112 and 113 into the underside ofthe bench 111. These can be any style of readily available bolts thathave suitable thread design and sufficient strength to screw into thebench 111 and thus keep the brackets 112 and 113 rigidly attached to thebench 111. Alternatively, the bench 111 can be attached by way ofcarriage bolts (not shown) that will go through the bench 111 from thetop side of the bench 111 and then through the brackets 112 and 113,with nuts and washers (not shown) attached from the bottom of thebrackets 112 and 113.

The bench 111 is then attached to the bench leg rear 114 and the benchleg front 115 with the brackets 112 and 113. The attachment method isidentical to that described above, whereby the bolt 203 goes through thebrackets 112 and 113, and is tightened against the brass plate 99, suchthat the brass plate 99 is pressed into a suitably sized slot in thelegs 114 and 115; causing the legs 114 and 115 to be held firmly inposition in relation to the bench 111 and the brace 118. The same methodis used to attach the bench leg rear 114 and the bench leg front 115 tothe brace 118. The bottom of the legs 114 and 115 fit into a bench leglower bracket rear 116 and a bench leg lower bracket front 117respectively.

The bench floor brace rear 119 and the brace front 120 are attached tothe brackets 116 and 117 by way of a floor base side bolt 213 which goesthrough the sides of the brace 119 and the brace 120 and screws into asuitably threaded hole in the side of the brackets 116 and 117. Thebrace 118 is then attached to the column base 101 in the same manner,with the bolt 203 going through the front section of the base 101 andtightening against the brass plate 99 that is in position in a suitablysized slot at the rear of the bench brace 118.

FIG. 2B shows an expanded view of the structural base 101 and the brasscompression plate 99 and the vertical column base legs 102 and 103.

FIG. 2C shows an expanded view of the bench leg front 115 and the benchleg lower bracket front 117 and the bench cross brace 118 and the benchfloor brace front 120.

FIG. 3 shows the apparatus as configured with a pneumatically actuatedresistance mechanism left 69 and a pneumatically actuated resistancemechanism right 70; which are mounted on the bracket 71. The bracket 71surrounds the tension bar 32, as the bar 32 goes directly through thebracket 71. There is an air pressure gauge 61 which will indicate to theUser the amount of air pressure that is currently in the resistancemechanisms 69 and 70. The gauge 61 may be a dial type gauge or it may bea digital gauge, depending on the final configuration of the apparatus.

There is an air release valve 62 attached to the pressure gauge 61. Eachof the resistance mechanisms 69 and 70 have an air nipple 57 attached;which is attached to an air supply hose 63. There is an air compressor64 which can be turned on and off by way of a toggle switch on a toggleswitch panel 90; which is attached to the column 91. The air compressor64 is a common twelve volt unit and can be sourced from numerousretailers. An internet search for the phrase “twelve volt compact aircompressor” will discover any number of twelve volt air compressors thatwill work sufficiently for this apparatus. The panel 90 contains atoggle type on/off switch for the operation of the air compressor 64,and also a toggle type up/down switch for the operation of the drivemotor 36 (which is shown in FIG. 4).

For applications requiring extended use of the apparatus in locationswhere there may not be a continuous supply of electric power, theapparatus will include a twelve volt battery (not shown), which will behoused inside of a battery box 65. The battery will best be selectedfrom any major retailer such as an auto parts store, marine supplystore, or other specialty shops such as a golf cart supply store; wherea compact twelve volt battery can be sourced which will have sufficientpower to run the apparatus for several hours or more before rechargingis needed, and will also be sufficiently compact to be housed inside thebattery box 65 without being in the way of the User.

The battery can be recharged with any readily available twelve voltbattery charger, which typically include quick charge models as well astrickle charge units that may be left plugged in over night forrecharging. If desired by any particular User, the apparatus would besupplied with the twelve volt battery charger included with theapparatus. In that case, the twelve volt battery charger (not shown) canbe mounted in any of several suitable locations on the apparatus such asunder the bench 111, so as to be out of the way of the User whileperforming bodily exercises.

For applications where power is always available, the battery box 65 canbe used to house a standard one hundred ten volt to twelve volttransformer (not shown), which can be sourced from numerous vendors.Similar type transformers are typically used in residential homes tosupply current to door bells or intercoms. In this configuration, itwill be best to match both the output voltage and the output amperage ofthe transformer to the correct voltage and amperage as required by themotor 36 and by the air compressor 64.

FIG. 4 shows this apparatus with the addition of a mobile device 125mounted on the column 91 by way of a mobile device mounting clip 126placed at each corner. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciatethat the mobile device 125 can be any manner of mobile device includingbut not limited to: wireless devices, Internet appliances, personaldigital assistants (PDAs), wearable computers, tablet computers, netbookcomputers, cellular or mobile phones, mobile tablets,microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, and the like.Thus, “mobile device” as used herein may refer to any of the abovedevices or systems including any future variations of these mobiledevices that may be developed, which are not yet available in theconsumer markets.

FIG. 5 shows a vertical adjustment crank 67 mounted on the column 91;for applications where electrical power is either permanentlyunavailable or so unreliable as to be impractical, such that the use ofa twelve volt battery that will periodically need recharging is notfeasible.

FIG. 6 shows a manual air pump 66 which is similarly intended forapplications where electrical power is either permanently unavailable orso unreliable as to be impractical. The pump 66 is mounted to thestructural base 101, and delivers air to the resistance mechanisms 69and 70 by way of the air hose 63.

FIG. 7A shows a detailed view of the components of the pneumaticallyactuated resistance mechanisms 69 and 70. The configuration of theresistance mechanism 70 as shown here in an exploded view, displays theessential parts of the mechanism. Starting from the left side, there isa hub 51 which is locked in position to the tension bar 32 by way of ahub key 50 and a hub set screw 68. Next there is a pneumaticallyactuated disc 52 which is compressed against the hub 51 by a disc piston53. Next there is a small o-ring 54 and a large o-ring 55. A disc airchamber 56 holds compressed air; such that the force or pressure of thedisc piston 53 against the pneumatically actuated disc 52 and thepneumatically actuated disc 52 against the hub 51 is increased as theair pressure in the disc air chamber is increased. There is the airnipple 57, an air chamber bearing 58, a small retaining ring 59 and alarge retaining ring 60.

It is this increase or decrease in air pressure in the disc air chamber56 and the corresponding increasing or decreasing of the force of thedisc piston 53 against the pneumatically actuated disc 52 and the disc52 against the hub 51, that results in an increase or decrease in theexercise resistance that the User will be working against at the bar 31,while performing bodily exercises.

In addition to the parts shown, there will normally be one or moresprings (not shown), that serve to return the piston 53 toward the airchamber 56, when air pressure is released. And, it will be best toinclude a one way valve (not shown), between the air compressor 64 andthe resistance mechanisms 41 or 42.

It is reasonable to expect that more modern or future versions of theresistance mechanisms 69 and 70 may have different arrangements orconfigurations of the various parts, and this version as shown in FIG.7A was selected due to its simplicity of design.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the disc 51 is six inches in diameter. An internetsearch for the term “air engaged friction brake” or “through shaft heavyduty clutch” will discover a variety of OEM vendors who produce thesetype of pneumatic discs and pneumatic clutches, which may also be called“pneumatic brakes” depending on the terminology of the manufacturer. Thebest size for the disc 52 and therefore the hub 51 and the associatedparts of the pneumatic resistance mechanism 69 and 70 as shown in FIG.7A, will depend on several variables; including what physical size ofthe typical User that the apparatus is being configured for, how manyhours per week the apparatus will typically be operating, and whatenvironment the apparatus will be operating in.

An internet search for the term “maximum torque rating for pneumaticbrake” will discover various OEM manufacturer sites, which will havemodel sizes with torque ratings. A typical maximum torque rating for thepneumatically actuated resistance mechanisms 69 and 70, as disclosed byvarious manufacturer web sites, is three thousand pound inches. With twosuch brakes in position on the bar 32, as shown in FIG. 7A, that wouldyield a maximum exercise force available at the exercise bar 31, of onehundred sixty six pounds, if the bars 33 and 34 are thirty six incheslong.

FIG. 7A also has directional arrows added to the drawing, to show thatthe force applied by the air pressure of the disc air chamber 56 againstthe disc piston 53, and by the piston 53 against the disc 52, and by thedisc 52 against the hub 51, are in a direction that is parallel to thetension bar 32. Additionally, the force applied by the piston 53 againstthe disc 52 and by the disc 52 against the hub 51, due to the fullycircular shape of these parts including the disc piston 53 and thepneumatically actuated disc 52 and the hub 51, is therefore in a fullthree hundred sixty degree configuration around the tension bar 32. Thisdesign inherently results in a constant application of the exerciseresistance force as applied by the apparatus to the User, without anyvariance, regardless of the position of the bar 31 and regardless whichdirection the User is moving the bar 31.

Additionally, the resistance mechanisms 69 and 70 are positioned at thecenter point of the tension bar 32 in relation to the ends of the bar32, and thus provide exercise resistance in a symmetrical configurationto the tension bar 32 and also to the ultimate User, who will optimallybe positioned at the left/right center point of the bar 31 whileperforming bodily exercises.

FIG. 7B shows a resistance mechanism control unit 46, and an electricresistance mechanism 45 which is mounted substantially symmetrically ona resistance mechanism double flange bracket 85. The electric resistancemechanism 45 can be any variety of electrically actuated resistancemechanisms available from commercial vendors, including but not limitedto: an electromagnetic clutch, electromagnetic brake, electromagneticparticle brake, electromechanical brake, electric clutch, electricbrake, an electromagnetic particle clutch, or an electro pneumaticbrake. All of these types of brakes which are mounted on a bar with thebar passing directly through the brake, typically apply their resistanceforce in a circular configuration around the bar that the brake isattached to. This is a very desirable feature, as this allows for a verysmooth sensation of consistent resistance as applied by the apparatus tothe User, as the User is grasping the bar 31 and moving it for bodilyexercise. Additionally, this design inherently results in a constantapplication of the exercise resistance force as applied by the apparatusto the User, regardless of the position of the bar 31 and regardlesswhich direction the User is moving the bar 31.

FIG. 7C shows a torque sensing and positioning resistance mechanism 86,which is a combination of a stepper motor 40 at the center point of thebar 32, with an electro magnetic particle brake 48 on each side of themotor 40, and a dual configuration of a magneto elastic torque sensor47, such that there is one of the torque sensor 47 mounted on each sideof the stepper motor 40. An internet search for the term “magnetoelastic sensor” will discover various devices that would work well forthis apparatus. The purpose of the torque sensor 47 is to enable thisapparatus to detect the exact amount of force being applied by the Userto the apparatus, and to have the capability to do so even if the Useris straining and has therefore stopped moving the bar 31 and thus thetension bar 32.

It will often be the case that a User who desires to perform a maximallytaxing workout, may be momentarily unable to move the bar 31 anyfurther, but may nevertheless still be applying a measurable amount offorce to the apparatus. The torque sensor 47 is able to detect the forceapplied by the User to the apparatus, even when the bar 31 is not movingand therefore the bar 32 is not turning; so that the apparatus can thenadjust the resistance force applied to the User as desired by the Useraccording to the User's prior selections or preset variables controlledby the apparatus.

Devices such as the magneto elastic torque sensor 47 are designed tomeasure the torque of a bar, or shaft. Some of these types of deviceshave more robust capabilities and can measure the torque of a bar whilethe bar is stationary; and that will be the best configuration for thisapparatus. The force that the User is exerting on the bar 31, whileperforming physical exercises with this apparatus, will result in atorque measurement by the magneto elastic torque sensor 47, which willcause a signal to be transmitted by the torque sensor 47 to a solidstate control device 49. Based upon that signal, which will be anindication of the present force being applied by the User to theapparatus, the control device 49 will then respond appropriately and,depending on the User's desires or prior indication, change theresistance force applied by the apparatus to the User.

The particle brake 48 may be any manner of electric brake. An internetsearch for the term “electro magnetic particle brake” will discovervarious devices that would work well for this apparatus. And, thestepper motor 40 may be various types of stepper motors. An internetsearch for the term “stepper motor” will discover various devices thatwould work well for this apparatus. However it is not possible tospecify exactly which electro magnetic particle brake or stepper motorwill be best for each potential configuration of this apparatus; as thatwill ultimately require collaboration with an OEM vendor, to determinethat. The variables to be considered would include: what physical sizeof User the apparatus is being configured for, how many hours per weekthe apparatus will typically be operating, and what environment theapparatus will be operating in.

FIG. 7D shows an expanded view of the particle brake 48. Oneconfiguration of this apparatus will have the particle brake 48 as theresistance mechanism. In that case, the apparatus may have one or moreof the brake 48, as appropriate for the needs of the User. For example,if this apparatus is configured to be used by a professional footballteam, it will likely be appropriate to have either a larger sizedparticle brake 48 or more than one particle brake 48.

The mounting of the particle brake 48 will always be substantially atthe center point of the tension bar 32, such that the resistance asapplied by the particle brake 48, will be applied symmetrically to thetension bar 32 and thus symmetrically to the User by way of the exercisebar 31.

FIG. 7E shows the solid state control device 49. An internet search forthe term “solid state controller for magnetic brake” will discover anumber of vendors who can provide this type of device. However, it isnot possible to specify exactly what model of the solid state controldevice 49 will be best for this apparatus; since this apparatus can beassembled and marketed in multiple different configurations, many ofwhich will require different types or capacities of solid state controldevices for this apparatus to function properly. It will ultimatelyrequire collaboration with an OEM vendor, to determine what specifictype of solid state control device 49 to include as the best solutionfor each of the various different configurations of this apparatus.

FIG. 7F shows a voice recognition module 124. There are a number ofdevices available that can serve as a voice recognition module for thisapparatus; and an internet search for the term “voice recognitionmodule” will discover a number of units that will work sufficientlywell. To the User this would function the same as any of the voicerecognition modules that a consumer will often encounter when calling anautomated customer service phone number, where the caller will beprompted by an automated attendant, to speak information such as anaccount number. These types of voice recognition modules are welldesigned to accurately recognize a wide range of human voices andaccents, but they are not infallible.

Alternatively, there are many consumer products that already have voicesensing capabilities, including but not limited to: cell phones, mobiletablets and remote control devices. Any device that has the capabilityto recognize a human voice and send a signal to the control device 49,will be within the scope of the many different types of voicerecognition modules that could be utilized in this apparatus. The signalsent by the voice recognition module 124 to the control device 49 couldbe in many formats including but not limited to: an electronic pulse byhard wire connection, a signal sent by a short range wirelessconnection, a typical wireless local area network connection, aninfrared pulse, or any other type of connection or transmissiontechnology that enables the signal to be received by the control device49 from the voice recognition module 124.

FIG. 8A shows a detailed view of the components of the resistancemechanism bracket 71. There is a vertical screw 131 in the center, whichis connected to the bracket 71 by way of a bracket upper nut 72. Thebracket 71 is also connected to a linear bearing housing left 82 and alinear bearing housing right 83, and the column 91.

The bracket 71 at the rear of the apparatus is best manufactured from asingle piece of steel for maximum strength and rigidity. A steel H beamof sufficient size is cut and machined to form the flange section at therear of the bracket 71 which the resistance mechanisms 41 and 42 aremounted to, and also the section of the bracket 71 that rides againstthe column 91. Additional sections of the bracket 71 are welded togetherand this will best be accomplished by using high strength steel plates,such that the resistance bracket 71 in finished form will have very highstrength.

High strength of the bracket 71 is necessary, as it is the bracket 71that is absorbing the force that will be applied by the User, to theexercise bar 31, which by way of the connecting bars 33 and 34 transferthat force to the tension bar 32, which transfers that torque throughthe resistance mechanism or resistance mechanisms that are present onthe apparatus, to the bracket 71 and ultimately to the column 91 and thescrew 131 and the linear bearing housings 82 and 83. If any of theseparts of the apparatus have insufficient strength, then it would bepossible that a particularly strong User, while performing an exerciseat the maximum resistance that can be achieved by the apparatus, andthus applying significant force to the apparatus through the tension bar32, could cause any or all of these parts to crack or break. Thus, allcomponents will best be fabricated from sufficiently strong materials.

Additionally, it is the design of the bracket 71 and the column 91,combined with the bearing housings 82 and 83, which in combinationachieve a very high strength structure. On either side of the bracket 71there are linear bearing rods which are attached to the resistancemechanism bracket 71. Specifically, the rods 94 and 95 go through thelinear bearing housings 82 and 83 respectively, which connect the rods94 and 95 to the left and right sides of the bracket 71. There are foureach of a linear bearing bracket bolt 204 on the bearing housing 82 andfour of the linear bearing bracket bolts 204 on the housing right 83, toattach the housings 82 and 83 to the bracket 71.

Continuing with FIG. 8A, on the back side of the bracket 71, there is asupport bracket shim left 80 and a support bracket shim right 81, whichgive the bracket 71 a smooth surface to ride against, while the bracket71 is moved up and down as needed for the User to perform differenttypes of bodily exercises. These shims 80 and 81 will best be made froma plastic material such as polypropylene, to enable the resistancebracket 71 to move smoothly up and down the column 91, while alsoallowing a small amount of compression of the shims as needed in areaswhere the column 91 may have a slight taper due to manufacturing orother irregularities; as otherwise the bracket 71 could become difficultor unable to move up or down.

Continuing with FIG. 8A, on the front side of the bracket 71, there is asupport bracket access plate 74, held in place by a resistance mechanismbracket access plate bolt 205. The access plate 74 allows for theassembly of the resistance bracket 71 along with its internalcomponents. There is a support bracket adjustment knob 75 which can bemanually turned by the User, to maintain a snug fit of the bracket 71against the column 91; and also to lock the bracket 71 in place inrelation to the column 91, which will be desirable in cases when a veryhigh amount of resistance is selected by the User for a particularbodily exercise. The best design of the knob 75 will be a three prongedstar shaped crank which can be easily grasped by a human hand, andreadily turned without need for any tool.

Continuing with FIG. 8A, as the knob 75 is tightened, it will pressagainst a support bracket compression plate 77, which then pressesagainst a support bracket shim front 79; such that the total strength ofthe combination of the bracket 71 and the column 91 and the housings 82and 83, is nearly as strong as would be the case if all those parts wereone continuous structure.

The front shim 79 serves the same purpose as the shims 80 and 81 thatare on the rear of the bracket 71. The shim 79 is best made of a plasticmaterial such as polypropylene, which will allow for smooth movement ofthe bracket 71 in relation to the column 91. It will also allow someamount of compressibility, so that the bracket 71 can continue to slideand move against the column 91, even in places along the column 91 wherethere may be slight variations of size or wall thickness of the column91; which could otherwise cause the bracket 71 to be stuck in positionand unable to move up or down.

FIG. 8B shows an exploded view of the knob 75 and an adjustment knobbearing 76 and the compression plate 77. The bearing 76 is designed sothat a bearing assembly bolt 215 and the knob 75 can both screw into thebearing 76; such that the outer wall of the bearing 76 will remainstationary while in contact with the plate 77, but at the same time, theinner walls of the bearing 76 which the knob 75 is screwed into, willrotate independently of its outer walls. Thus, the knob 75 can be loosedor tightened while also maintaining firm pressure of the bracket 71against the column 91.

FIG. 9A shows an expanded view of the mechanisms 69 and 70 as attachedto the bracket 71. The flange of the bracket 71 is at the center pointof the apparatus in relation to the outer left and right sides of thebar 32, and the resistance mechanisms 69 and 70 are directly mounted tothe flange of the bracket 71, thus establishing a symmetricalapplication of the force created by the resistance mechanism 69 and 70,as applied to the tension bar 32 and to the exercise bar 31, and thus inrelation to the User.

There is a resistance mechanism mounting bolt 210 and a resistancemechanism mounting nut 211 at various points around the resistancemechanisms 69 and 70, which serve to keep the resistance mechanisms 69and 70 firmly attached to the bracket 71. The tension bar 32 has anindentation of appropriate size for the hub key 50 to fit into thatindentation in the bar 32. The key 50 also fits into a notch in the hub51 (shown in FIG. 7A), such that when the set screw 68 is tightened, itlocks the hub 51 into a fixed position in relation to the bar 32. Theresistance mechanism 69 has an identical arrangement with an indentationin the bar 32 such that the hub key 50 fits into that indentation andalso fits into the notch in the hub 51, which is a subcomponent part ofthe resistance mechanism left 69, as shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 9B shows the resistance mechanism double flange bracket 85 with asupport bracket flange bearing 87 added to the flanges of the bracket85, plus the stepper motor 40 mounted in the center, with the brake 48on the left side of the motor 40 and also the second brake 48 on rightside of the motor 40.

FIG. 9C shows the double flange bracket 85 with the support bracketflange bearing 87 added to each of the outer flanges of the doubleflange bracket 85. The best configuration of the support bracket will bethe double flange design with two of the bearings 87, as shown here;however, the apparatus would likely be offered in a lower cost basicconfiguration that would be configured with the bracket 71, which onlyhas the one flange.

FIG. 9D shows the design of the bracket 71, which is one continuoussteel structure. There is the bracket upper nut 72 and a bracket lowernut 73. Both of these, the nut 72 and the nut 73, are best weldeddirectly to the bracket 71, and as seen in FIG. 8A, it is best if thenuts 72 and 73 are first milled so that there will be a perfectly sizedgroove in the nuts 72 and 73, such that the inner plate of the bracket71 will be a very tight fit or best a press fit into the grooves of thebracket nuts 72 and 73; and therefore when the weld is performed topermanently join the nuts 72 and 73 to the bracket 71, the finalassembly will have very high strength.

FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of the vertical screw 131, which ispositioned inside of the vertical column 91 (not shown here). Startingfrom the top, there is the drive motor 36 which can turn the screw 131either clockwise or counter clockwise. An internet search for the phrase“twelve volt drive motor” will discover several types of twelve voltmotors, which would work sufficiently well for this apparatus.

The rotation of the screw 131, due to its shape as a long threadedscrew, will thus lower or raise the height of the bracket 71 and thusthe exercise bar 31. The screw 131 will best be the same type of screwas typically used for industrial machines that have stepper type motors,which are designed to move individual machine components such ascarriages or flat tables. The pitch of the screw 131 will best bematched to the power of the motor 36. There will best be an appropriatebalance between the speed at which the motor 36 can move the bracket 71up and down and thus the tension bar 32 up and down for the User, whilealso not creating undue strain on the motor 36 which would result fromthe selection of an inappropriate pitch of the screw 131 relative to thepower of the motor 36. An incorrect matching of the pitch of the screw131 to the power of the motor 36 would ultimately cause the motor 36 tooverheat or otherwise fail to function; if for example an unduly fastpitch were selected for the screw 131. The vertical screw 131 aspresently configured is an acme screw thread of one inch diameter, witha ten pitch. In the same manner, the screw pitch will best be matched tothe capabilities of the manual crank 67, for those configurations thathave the crank 67.

As shown in FIG. 10, the vertical screw 131 is forty eight inches long,and that length will work best for a typical User. These types ofstepper motor screws are readily available from industrial vendors inextended lengths such as seventy two inches long; which will enable thisapparatus to be configured with a longer vertical travel of the bracket71 and thus the tension bar 32 and thus the exercise bar 31, as neededfor a taller User.

There are a group of parts that attach the motor 36 to the screw 131.Specifically, a vertical screw upper jaw coupling hub 132 is held in afixed position to the screw 131 by a set screw 206. The coupling hub 132has prongs which then fit into the prongs of a vertical screw lower jawcoupling hub 134, which is also held in a fixed position relative to thescrew 131 by an additional set screw 206. There is a vertical screwrubber bushing 133 which is star shaped and made from a rubberymaterial, which serves as a cushioning device between the coupling hubs132 and 134. A vertical screw upper bearing 135 is mounted inside avertical screw upper bearing housing 136.

Continuing in FIG. 10, at the bottom of the screw 131 there is avertical screw lower bearing 138, which has a vertical screw lowerbearing racer 139, which then fits into a vertical screw lower bracket140. Both the bearing housing 136 and the lower bracket 140 have holesto allow for bolts to be inserted and tightened. Those bolts will holdthe upper bearing housing 136 in position relative to the verticalcolumn 91 and the screw 131; and will hold the lower bracket 140 inposition relative to the vertical column 91. All of these partsincluding the coupling hubs 132 and 134, bushing 133, bearings 135 and138, and bearing racer 139 are all readily available from industrialsupply vendors. The rubber bushing 133 is available in various materialsincluding thermoplastic elastomers; which are commonly used inapplications such as automotive suspension bushings.

FIG. 11 shows a vertical screw jaw coupling assembly 137, which includesthe coupling hubs 132 and 134, rubber bushing 133, upper bearing 135,and upper bearing housing 136. FIG. 11 also shows the attachment of thebracket 71 to the screw 131. Specifically, this view shows the bracketnuts 72 and 73, which connect the bracket 71 to the column 91; such thatany clockwise or counter clockwise rotation of the screw 131 will causethe bracket 71 to move up or down, which will then cause the tension bar32 and the exercise bar 31 to move up or down. This will therefore allowthe User to select the best vertical position for the bar 31 to besituated at, for optimal bodily exercise, depending on the bodilystature of the User as well as the specific exercise to be performed.

FIG. 12 shows a side view of the linear bearing rod left 94. The rod 94is held in position by the brackets 92 and 96. There are bolts (notshown) that connect the upper bracket 92 to the column 91 (not shown);and there is a linear bearing lower bracket bolt 208 that connects thelower bracket 96 to the structural base 101. Those bolts can be of anysuitable variety as available from a hardware retailer.

FIG. 13 shows a different design of the bracket 85, which will include asupport bracket roller bearing 84 that will be mounted in four positionsinside the double flange bracket 85; and which will ride against thecolumn 91. The roller bearings 84 will be mounted in the double flangebracket 85 with spring inserts (not shown) so that the bearings 84 willbe able to deflect slightly as the bracket 85 moves up and down againstthe vertical column 91.

This alternate configuration of the bracket 85 as shown in FIG. 13 willstill include the access plate 74 and the knob 75 and the knob bearing76 and the compression plate 77 (shown in FIG. 8), so that additionaltension may be applied to tighten the bracket 85 with all thesecomponents, against the vertical column 91; which will be best for theUser to do in cases where maximum exercise resistance levels have beenselected, and the User is therefore applying significant stress to theapparatus.

FIG. 14A shows a resistance mechanism mounting bracket 88 that isdesigned to mount the apparatus on a fixed vertical surface such as awall. Attached to the mounting bracket 88 is the double flange bracket85 and a pneumatically actuated resistance mechanism 43, along with thebar 32 and the connecting bars 33 and 34 and the exercise bar 31 and thesleeve 35. Additionally there is the manual air pump 66 along with theair hose 63 attached to the resistance mechanism 43, so that the Usercan inflate the resistance mechanism 43 with sufficient pressure forbodily exercises.

In this configuration, it will be best for the connecting bars 33 and 34to be configured with a slightly longer bar length, so that theapparatus can be more conveniently utilized by Users with differentbodily heights; given that the apparatus in this configuration will bemounted in a fixed vertical position without any option for the User tochange the height of the exercise bar 31, in relation to the floor.

FIG. 14B shows the apparatus of FIG. 14A in a folded position, to beconcealed inside a shallow wall cavity.

FIG. 15A shows the resistance mechanism mounting bracket 88 and thevertical column 91, mounted inside a shallow closet. There is thestructural base 101 to support the column 91, the air pump 66 to inflatethe resistance mechanism 43 with sufficient pressure for bodilyexercises; and the crank 67 which will be turned by the User to changethe vertical height of the bracket 85, and therefore the height of thetension bar 32 and the exercise bar 31.

FIG. 15B shows the apparatus of FIG. 15A in a folded position, to beconcealed inside a shallow closet.

FIG. 16A shows an elongated connecting bar left 37 and an elongatedconnecting bar right 38 and a roller base 127 and a roller base supportextension 128; which allow for the apparatus to be stationed at the baseof a bed such as a hospital bed. There is the torque sensing andpositioning resistance mechanism 86 attached to the double flangebracket 85, and the mobile device 125 mounted to the vertical column 91by the clips 126. The roller base 127 will best be fabricated withstrong and rigid materials so that the apparatus will have sufficientstability when the apparatus is in use, and sufficient stability whenbeing rolled from one location to another with the support extension 128retracted.

FIG. 16A also shows a gray-scale view, to demonstrate that the apparatuscan also be configured with the conventionally sized connecting bars, inwhich case the apparatus would be positioned at the head of the bedrather than the base of the bed.

FIG. 16B shows the apparatus of FIG. 16A, in a retracted position withthe bars 37 and 38 pointing up vertical toward the ceiling, ready to berolled to another location.

FIG. 17A shows the apparatus set up for calibration against a knownquantity of free weights. There is a free weight support bracket 181that is shaped to fit on top of the connecting bars 33 and 34, and theexercise bar 31; such that a free weight bar 182 can be placed on top ofthe bracket 181 and remain in position on the exercise bar 31.

Additionally, FIG. 17A shows a gray-scale image demonstrating that theexercise bar 31 can be rotated to be positioned on the rear side of theapparatus, for the User to more comfortably perform bodily exercises ina standing position, such as the Bicep Curl as shown. This view alsoshows one position where the apparatus can provide isometric exercisefor the User. The inherent design of the apparatus, with the bar 32rotating within a circular resistance mechanism, thus causing theexercise bar 31 to move along a circular arc, allows the User to movethe bar 31 to positions that are not possible when exercising with freeweights. For example, the User can position the bar 31 such that duringa Bicep Curl exercise repetition, the bar 31 will move toward the User'schest as is the case in a normal Bicep Curl exercise; and then due tothe inherent design of the apparatus, the bar 31 will continue itsmovement in an arc going beyond the User's chest to a position thatwould ultimately be above the User's head. Somewhere along that arc ofmovement, the bar 31 will be stopped due to muscle failure of the User,and an isometric exercise will commence if the User continues to applyforce to the bar 31 at that point.

FIG. 17B shows an expanded view of the weight bracket 181. The bracket181 has an open slot in the bottom (not shown), that is designed to be asnug fit onto the connecting bars 33 and 34.

FIG. 18A shows the apparatus as set up to allow for numerous differentexercises, with the addition of a dead lift station 123 and a legextension station 175. Starting from the left, there is the dead liftstation 123 which has a dead lift platform 122 and a dead lift floorbeam 121. The platform 122 is best included, so that the User will standon the platform 122 while performing the Dead Lift exercise, which willprevent the apparatus from being lifted off the floor. A particularlystrong User who has selected a very high resistance level, would be ableto lift the apparatus up off the floor instead of moving the exercisebar 31, if the dead lift platform 122 was not present. Alternatively oradditionally, it may be best to bolt the apparatus to the floor, if theUser's location allows for that; especially in cases where Users will beselecting a very high resistance force from the apparatus.

On the right side, the leg extension station 175 is attached to thebench 111 by a leg extension mounting bracket 89, which is tightened inposition by a leg extension mounting bracket bolt 209. A leg extensionresistance mechanism 44 is mounted on the bracket 89, to provideexercise resistance to the User. There is a leg extension ankle barupper 172 and a leg extension ankle bar lower 173, which are positionedso that a User can perform a leg extension or a leg curl bodilyexercise.

FIG. 18B is the same view as FIG. 18A, with the addition of a human Usershown performing the Dead Lift exercise. This view can also serve as aperspective to evaluate the exercise force generating capability of theapparatus. In this configuration as shown, within the mechanism 86 thereare two of the brakes 48, one on either side of the stepper motor 40. Aninternet search for the term “maximum torque rating for electro magneticparticle brake” will discover various OEM manufacturer sites, which willhave model sizes with torque ratings. A typical maximum torque ratingfor an Electro Magnetic Particle Brake that is approximately ten inchesin outer diameter, as disclosed by various manufacturer web sites, issix thousand inch pounds of torque.

This apparatus therefore allows for a mathematical calculation as towhat actual exercise resistance is available to the User. For example:if the bars 33 and 34 are a typical length of thirty six inches, then atorque calculation based upon a resistance mechanism torque rating ofthree thousand inch pounds, will yield the conclusion that two of thebrakes 48, when energized at their maximum torque rating, will generateover one hundred fifty pounds of exercise resistance, as applied to theUser, while the User is grasping the exercise bar 31 at a distance ofthirty six inches from the brakes 48.

Further, it would be possible to achieve an exercise resistance force tothe User of over five hundred pounds, as measured at the bar 31 that theUser is in contact with, by utilizing larger sized resistance mechanismsavailable from OEM manufacturers; or by including additional pairs ofresistance mechanisms mounted to the bracket 85, as needed orappropriate for bodily exercise by athletes and other particularlystrong Users. However, for the vast majority of consumer type Users, whoare not professional athletes or bodybuilders, any resistance above onehundred fifty pounds of actual force to the User as measured at theexercise bar 31, will be more than adequate for long term bodilyimprovement and maintenance.

FIG. 18C shows an exploded side view of the leg extension station 175.The mounting bracket 89 allows the leg station 175 to be attached to thebench 111, with the resistance mechanism 44 mounted within the legextension mounting bracket 89. The ankle bars 172 and 173 are configuredwith a double bar for each, so that the User can push the apparatus backto the starting position when performing a physical exercise.

The best type of resistance mechanism to utilize in this configurationwill depend on several factors, and could be a pneumatically actuatedresistance mechanism such as seen in FIG. 7A, or an electric resistancemechanism as seen in FIG. 7B. That final determination will have to bemade in discussion with the ultimate User or expected Users of theapparatus, so that the resistance mechanism attached to the legextension mounting bracket 89 will be a proper fit for their budget andphysical exercise needs.

FIG. 18D shows an expanded top view of the leg extension station 175.The mounting bracket 89 includes four vertical plates: two each on theleft side of the resistance mechanism 44 and two each on the right sideof the resistance mechanism 44, which allow a leg extension beam 171 tomove while the leg extension resistance mechanism 44 remains stationary.This design also allows for movement of the beam 171 without the beam171 rubbing against or touching the User's legs. There is a legextension tension bar end cap 214, that keeps a leg extension tensionbar 174 properly in position. The bar 174 passes through the resistancemechanism 44 and also through the flanges of the bracket 89. There is aleg extension resistance mechanism bolt 216 and a leg extensionresistance mechanism nut 217, that hold the resistance mechanism 44 inplace in the bracket 89.

All of the variations described above, as shown in FIG. 1 through FIG.18D, are shown without any safety coverings on the apparatus. In normaloperation it will be best to have safety coverings such as rubber gripsor foam cushions (not shown), on all exposed ends including but notlimited to: the ends of bar 31, the ends of bars 33 and 34, the ends ofthe bars 172 and 173, the edges of the brackets 92 and 93, and possiblythe edges of the bench 111. Additionally, it will be best to havestickers on the apparatus, such as a label to read: “Do not leaveexercise bar in a horizontal position. This bar should be all the way upor down when not in use.”

Configurations & Operation of the Apparatus

The operation of the subject apparatus will vary depending on theconfiguration; and the best configuration of this apparatus will dependon the financial budget, the physical space available, the bodilystature, and the objectives of the User.

There are several configurations of the apparatus shown in the drawings.In addition, there are numerous possible sub-configurations andalternate variations that are not shown. The basic configurations asshown are:

Wall Mounted, Manually Operated.

As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the apparatus is best configured for aUser who has very limited space to mount the apparatus. This will alsobe the best configuration to be used as an exercise station in publicplaces such as at the beach or along the length of a community runningpath.

In this configuration, the apparatus consists of just the pneumaticallyactuated resistance mechanism 43, the air pressure gauge 61 and the airrelease valve 62, the bracket 88 which allows the apparatus to bemounted on a vertical surface, along with the exercise bar 31 and thesleeve 35 and the connecting bars 33 and 34, and the tension bar 32.

The apparatus as configured is inherently quiet. The only action of theapparatus that can create any sound will be the movement of the disc 52against the hub 51; and any one repetition of any typical exercisemovement will only cause the disc 52 to rotate approximately forty fivedegrees, against the hub 51. As a result, there is not enough movementor friction to create any decipherable level of sound.

This configuration will include the air pump 66 and the air hose 63, andthere may also be a set of doors for concealment including a wall cavitydoor 151, if the User has chosen to mount the apparatus inside a shallowwall recess. In this configuration it will be best for the User to makecareful note of the bodily height of the User or Users who will beperforming bodily exercises on the apparatus. Based on the typical oraverage bodily height of all possible Users, the mounting bracket 88will then be placed at the appropriate vertical height on the wall suchthat the height of the exercise bar 31 will be at the most comfortableor practical height for all Users. In this configuration the User canperform bodily exercises including but not limited to: Bicep Curl, WristCurl, Tricep Pushdown, Bench Press, Incline Press, Shoulder Press, LatPulldown, Dead Lift, and Squat. In this configuration, some of thesebodily exercises will best be performed with a bench for the User to liedown on or stand on.

To operate the apparatus in this configuration, the User will open theshallow wall recess doors if there are any, and step repeatedly on theair pump 66 until the air pressure as indicated by the gauge 61 issufficient for the next exercise that the User wishes to perform. TheUser will then proceed to perform as many repetitions as desired of abodily exercise at that level of resistance. To increase the exerciseresistance, the User will step additional times on the pump 66, whilewatching the pressure as indicated by the gauge 61. To decrease exerciseresistance, the User will open the valve on the release valve 62, whichwill release air pressure from the resistance mechanism 43, which willdecrease the exercise resistance of the apparatus as applied to theUser.

When the User has completed their exercise routine, they will open thevalve on the release valve 62 in order to release all air pressure fromthe resistance mechanism 43, which will cause the bar 31 to fall down tothe floor. At that point the User will fold up the bar 31 and theconnecting bars 33 and 34 to be either flat on the wall with the bar 31nearest the floor; or alternatively if the length of the connecting bars33 and 34 are too long for the bars to be folded flat on the wall towardthe floor; then the User will raise the bars 33 and 34 and the bar 31 tobe in a fully vertical position as shown in FIG. 14B. There wouldordinarily be a clip of some sort (not shown), supplied with theapparatus so that both the bar 31 and the pump 66 can be held by theclips in a totally closed or flat configuration, so that the apparatuswill be able to fit in the most shallow wall cavity. Once the airpressure has been fully released and the apparatus folded totally flat,the User can close the wall cavity doors and hide the apparatus fromview.

Wall Mounted, with Vertical Column, Manually Operated.

As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the apparatus is best configured for aUser who has limited space where they can place the apparatus, but whoalso needs to perform a wider range of bodily exercises; or who hasnumerous Users all needing to perform bodily exercises on the sameapparatus. In this configuration, the apparatus is the same as shown inFIG. 14A, with the addition of the column 91, the structural base 101,the rods 94 and 95, and the adjustment crank 67. In this configuration,there may also be a set of doors for concealment including a shallowcloset right side door 152, if the User has chosen to mount theapparatus inside a shallow closet. In this configuration the User canperform bodily exercises including but not limited to: Bicep Curl,Forearm Curl, Tricep Pushdown, Bench Press, Incline Press, ShoulderPress, Lat Pulldown, Dead Lift and Squat.

The operation of the apparatus in this configuration is the same as forthat in FIG. 14A outlined above, with the addition of the crank 67. TheUser can turn the adjustment crank 67 which will cause the bracket 85and the bar 31 to move up or down, to place the exercise bar 31 at theoptimal vertical height for the next desired bodily exercise to beperformed. The User will follow the same procedure as outlined above inFIG. 14A, to change the amount of resistance force for each desiredbodily exercise, and to fold back up the apparatus when concluded. Therewould ordinarily be a clip of some sort (not shown), supplied with theapparatus so that the exercise bar 31 can be held by the clip in atotally closed or flat configuration, so that the apparatus will be ableto fit in a shallow closet, with the bar 31 and the connecting bars 33and 34 all held in a stowed position.

With Bench and Vertical Column, Manually Operated.

As shown in FIG. 1 and with reference to FIGS. 2A-C and FIGS. 5 & 6, theapparatus is best configured for a User who wants to be able to performa complete range of bodily exercises, and who has sufficient space foran apparatus that will not be easily concealed, and who needs to placethe apparatus at some location such as a vacation cabin where there ispermanently no electricity. Alternatively this could include placementof the apparatus inside of a storage shed or workshop behind the User'shouse, where there is no electrical power available. The apparatus wouldthus be configured as seen in FIG. 1, with the substitution of the crank67 in lieu of the motor 36, and with addition of the air pump 66, thegauge 61, and the release valve 62.

The operation of the apparatus in this configuration is the same asdescribed above for FIG. 15A; the only difference being the lack of anyneed to fold up the exercise bar 31 when finished with bodily exercises,as this configuration is not meant to be space saving or concealable.However, in this configuration, for safety reasons, the User shouldreturn the bar 31 to a fully lowered position when their exercisesession is concluded, to avoid any risk of a person walking into the bar31.

With Bench and Vertical Column and Air Compressor.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-C and FIG. 3, the apparatus is bestconfigured for a User who wants to be able to perform a complete rangeof bodily exercises, and who has sufficient space for a larger apparatusthat will not be readily concealed, and who needs for the apparatus tobe capable of moving faster when changing to different exercises oradditional exercise sets at different resistance levels. This would alsobe the best configuration for Users with diminished bodily strength,such as a physical injury or other bodily limitation. The apparatuswould thus be configured as seen in FIG. 1, with addition of thepressure gauge 61, the valve 62, the compressor 64, and the battery box65.

As noted above in the Detailed Description, the battery box 65 willcontain either a twelve volt battery or a one hundred and ten volt totwelve volt transformer; either of which is for the purpose of poweringthe air compressor. The twelve volt battery will be best for use of theapparatus at any location where power may be intermittent, or for use ofthe apparatus in a mobile configuration such as mounted on a trailer tobe transported to a beach or recreational area for a limited duration ofbodily exercises. The one hundred ten volt to twelve volt transformerwill be best for use of the apparatus at a location where there ispermanent and reliable electrical power available.

To operate the apparatus in this configuration and referring to FIG. 3,the User will turn on the compressor 64 by way of the toggle switch onthe toggle switch panel 90, which will cause the air pressure in theresistance mechanisms 69 and 70 to be increased, which will result in ahigher resistance force for the exercises being performed by the User.The User should watch the air pressure as indicated by the gauge 61while the compressor 64 is running, to achieve the desired amount of airpressure and therefore exercise resistance as desired, at which pointthe User will turn off the compressor 64. To decrease exerciseresistance, the User will open the valve on the air release valve 62,which will release air pressure from the resistance mechanisms 69 and70, which will decrease the exercise resistance of the apparatus asapplied to the User.

With Bench and Vertical Column, and Electric Resistance Mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-C and FIG. 7B and FIG. 7E-F, thisconfiguration will utilize an electric resistance mechanism that ismounted substantially symmetrically on the tension bar 32. Thisconfiguration is best for a User who desires a more accuraterepeatability of exercise resistance levels from one exercise session tothe next, or who has particular need for the voice activated control ofthis configuration of the apparatus. Examples would include a User withphysical handicaps, injuries or other conditions causing a decrease orlimitation of bodily strength; for whom the voice control will beparticularly convenient. The apparatus in this configuration isinherently quiet. The only components in this configuration that willmove, as a User performs a repetition of a physical exercise, will bethe internal parts of the electric resistance mechanism 45. However, anyone repetition of any standard exercise movement will only cause theresistance mechanism 45 to rotate approximately forty five degrees. As aresult, there is not enough movement of the internal parts of theresistance mechanism 45 to create any noticeable level of sound.

To operate the apparatus in this configuration, the User will interactwith the voice recognition module 124, to give verbal commands to theapparatus. Those verbal commands will control both the amount ofexercise resistance to be applied by the apparatus to the User for thenext bodily exercise to be performed, as well as to direct the apparatusas to what height the tension bar 32 should be positioned at to performthe next bodily exercise.

The User will turn on the apparatus by flipping an On-Off switch (notshown), and then will speak basic commands to the voice module 124. Forexample: a command of “bar up” will cause the bar 32 to be moved up apreset distance. A command of “bar down” will cause the bar 32 to bemoved down a preset distance. A command of a specific number of poundssuch as “fifty pounds” or “one hundred pounds” will cause the resistancemechanism 45 to set that amount of exercise resistance to be deliveredto the User. A command such as “down five” or “up ten” will cause theresistance mechanism 45 to change the exercise resistance delivered tothe User by that amount.

With Elongated Bars for Bedridden Users.

As shown in FIG. 16A-B, another configuration of this apparatus would bebest for a hospital or physical therapy center, where there are patientswho are not fully ambulatory, who will benefit from physical exercise.In this configuration the apparatus will include the elongatedconnecting bars 37 and 38, which will enable the User to perform avariety of bodily exercises while confined to a bed. Either the User ora health care professional would interact with the mobile device 125 togive verbal commands to the apparatus; to control both the amount ofexercise resistance to be applied by the apparatus to the User for thenext bodily exercise to be performed, as well as to direct the apparatusas to what height the tension bar 32 should be positioned at to performthe next bodily exercise.

In this configuration the apparatus will additionally have the rollerbase 127 as shown in FIG. 16B, as well as two extensions 128; such thatthe apparatus will have sufficient stability when a User is lyinghorizontal in a bed and performing bodily exercises with the apparatus.When the exercise session is completed, the apparatus can be returned toa movable configuration as shown in FIG. 16B, whereby the bars 37 and 38and the exercise bar 31 will be raised into a vertical position; toallow for the apparatus to be rolled from room to room within a hospitalor other health care setting.

With Torque Sensing Electric Resistance Mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 18A-D, the apparatus is best configured for a User whowants to be able to perform numerous different bodily exercises withjust one apparatus, and be able to control the apparatus by voicecommands, and who has a sufficient area to set up the apparatus withreasonable space around the apparatus for access, and has sufficientfinancial budget to invest in the apparatus, and who wishes to have anapparatus that can perform the tasks otherwise requiring a humanspotter, and who desires a highly accurate repeatability of exerciseresistance levels from one exercise session to the next, and wishes tobe able to calibrate the apparatus against a known quantity of weight inpounds.

Examples of this type of User would include professional athletes andbodybuilders who need to know exactly what progress they are making fromone exercise session to the next, or persons recovering from bodilyinjuries such as bone fractures, who need to know exactly whatimprovements they are making over time; as well as hospitals andphysical therapy centers where there is a need for an apparatus that canprovide effective exercise for a wide range of body types and bodilycapabilities, with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability.

In this configuration, the User can perform a wide variety of bodilyexercises with the apparatus, including but not limited to: Bicep Curl,Wrist Curl, Tricep Pushdown, Tricep Curl, Shoulder Press, Lat Pulldown,Bench Press, Incline Press, Dead Lift, Squat, Calf raise, Leg Extension,Leg Curl, Neck Press, and Abdominals.

In this configuration it will be best to bolt the apparatus to thefloor, due to the high amounts of resistance that will likely beselected by the Users. If the apparatus is not bolted to the floor orotherwise secured, then the front side of the apparatus may be tiltedoff the ground, for example, when a User is standing on the rear side ofthe apparatus and performing an exercise movement that requires the bar31 to be pushed downward toward the floor.

This configuration will include voice activated controls. However, asnoted above in the Detailed Descriptions, the voice recognition module124 will be accurate at recognizing a variety of human voices, but itwill not be infallible; and therefore this configuration as shown inFIGS. 18A and 18B will include the mobile device 125 for voicerecognition. The mobile device 125 would be much more accurate, as theUser would initialize the device 125 to recognize their own voice; ascompared to the voice recognition module 124, which comes preset fromthe manufacturer to recognize a variety of human voices.

The User will turn on the apparatus by flipping an On-Off switch (notshown), and then will speak basic commands to the mobile device 125.

For example: a command of “bar up” will cause the bar 32 to be moved upa preset distance. A command of “bar down” will cause the bar 32 to bemoved down a preset distance. A command of a specific number of poundssuch as “fifty pounds” or “one hundred pounds” will cause the resistancemechanism 86 to set that amount of exercise resistance to be deliveredto the User. A command such as “down five” or “up ten” will cause theresistance mechanism 86 to change the exercise resistance delivered tothe User by that amount.

For applications where a User desires a more complex workout that fullytaxes the muscles as repetitions are performed, this configurationincludes the magneto elastic torque sensor 47 units. The sensor 47allows the apparatus to vary the exercise resistance delivered to theUser, in response to the amount of force being applied by the User tothe apparatus.

To operate the apparatus in this configuration, the User will speak thecommand “spotter” to the mobile device 125. During the followingexercise repetitions, the torque sensor 47 units will sense the actualforce being delivered by the User to the apparatus, regardless whetherthe User is turning the tension bar 32, or if the bar 32 may bestationary while the User is straining to move it any further. If atanytime the force as applied by the User to the apparatus falls belowthe level of resistance force selected by the User for that exercise,the apparatus will then lower the exercise resistance by a preselectedamount. To cancel this feature, the User will speak the command“cancel.”

This configuration also includes the stepper motor 40, which allows theUser to perform a very fast paced workout, without the assistance of ahuman spotter. The motor 40 will allow the apparatus to very quicklymove the tension bar 32 and therefore the exercise bar 31, to theopposite side of the column 91. For example, if the User is performing aBench Press and then wishes to quickly proceed to a standing Bicep Curl,then the exercise bar 31 needs to be moved from the front side of theapparatus where the Bench Press is typically performed, to the rear sideof the apparatus where the standing Bicep Curl is typically performed.To accomplish this, the User will speak the command “bar rear” or “barfront” to the mobile device 125, which will send a signal to the solidstate control device 49, which will send a signal to the motor 40,causing the motor 40 to rotate the bar 32 and therefore the exercise bar31 to the desired position. However, for safety reasons, it will be bestto have a built in safety device integrated with the motor 40, so thatthe movement of the exercise bar 31 will be interrupted if anyobstruction such as a human body, is in the way of the movement of thebar 31 or the bars 33 and 34.

An additional feature of this configuration as shown in FIGS. 18A and18B is that, with the addition of the stepper motor 40 in combinationwith the mobile device 125 and the solid state control device 49, thisapparatus can respond to a verbal command from the User at the instantthat the User is experiencing physical strain or exhaustion, and isunable to move the exercise bar 31 any further. At that instant it maylikely be the case that the User needs just a slight change in theposition of the exercise bar 31 in relation to the body of the User, tocontinue with that particular repetition. For example, the User couldsay the words “move up” or some other appropriate phrase such as “turnone” and the apparatus will react by sending a signal to the steppermotor 40, to cause it to turn a preselected amount such as a twentydegree rotation of the exercise bar 31 in relation to the column 91.This is a very useful capability, as it is often the case that a User,when straining to complete a repetition, does not need to reduce theresistance force, but rather simply needs to slightly change theposition of their arms or legs, to then be able to continue and completethat repetition with the same amount of resistance force as had beeninitially selected.

An additional feature of this configuration, as shown in FIG. 17A-17B,is the capability of the apparatus to calibrate itself. For dedicatedweightlifters such as professional bodybuilders and professionalathletes, it is very desirable to know precisely what amount of actualweight is being utilized for any particular bodily exercise. It is forthis reason that many athletes and bodybuilders will only exercise withfree weights, since a free weight with the exact poundage clearlyindicated, allows the User to see precisely what amount of actual weightthey are exercising against. This apparatus in this configuration, willprovide the User with that same capability.

To calibrate the apparatus against a known quantity of free weights, theUser will speak the command “calibrate” to the mobile device 125, whichwill cause the two brake units 48 to lock up and hold the bars 33 and 34in a position parallel to the floor. The free weight bar 182 loaded withone hundred pounds of total weight will then be placed on top of the bar31, as shown in FIG. 17A. The User will then speak the command “onehundred,” and the magneto elastic torque sensor 47 and the particlebrake units 48 working together, will detect the force being applied bythe free weights to the bar 31 and thus to the tension bar 32. Thetorque sensor 47 will send a signal to the control device 49, which willcause the control device 49 to calibrate itself against that weight.

When calibrated by this process, the apparatus will have a high degreeof accuracy; such that the resistance force applied to the User by theapparatus will be substantially equal to the exercise resistance thatthe User would experience with that same quantity in pounds, of freeweights.

This configuration as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B also includes the deadlift station 123, which allows the performance of a standard Dead Liftexercise. To activate the dead lift station 123, the User will speak acommand such as “Dead Lift” which will cause the stepper motor 40 andthe drive motor 36 to turn as needed to move the connecting bars 33 and34 and the bar 31 to the rear of the machine with the tension bar 32situated at approximately thirty inches from the platform 122. In thismode, there will be extra functionality of the apparatus applied by thesolid state control device 49, such that the force applied to the Userwhile the User is moving from a fully upright standing position backdown to the fully bent position nearest the platform 122, will be nomore than the User's body weight. This is necessary as otherwise theUser's feet would be lifted off the floor, rather than the bar 31 beingreturned to its lowest position near the floor, if the force applied tothe User by the apparatus when moving the bar 31 from its highestposition during the Dead Lift exercise, back to its lowest position,were more than the bodily weight of the User.

Additionally, if the User gives a verbal command of “Squat” to theapparatus, to perform a standard Squat movement, then the apparatus willinclude extra functionality; such that the force applied to the Userwhile the User is moving from a fully upright standing position backdown to the fully bent position nearest the dead lift platform 122, willbe no more than the User's bodily weight. This is necessary as otherwisethe User's feet would be lifted off the floor, rather than the exercisebar 31 being returned to its lowest position near the floor—if the forceapplied to the User by the apparatus on the return or lowering stroke ofthe Squat exercise movement were more than the bodily weight of theUser.

This configuration will also include the support bracket roller bearing84 (shown in FIG. 13). The bearing 84 will afford a smoother movement ofthe double flange bracket 85 along the length of the column 91.

As shown in FIG. 18C-18D, in this configuration the apparatus will alsoinclude the leg extension station 175; which has the leg extensionresistance mechanism 44, as well as the leg extension beam 171, the legextension ankle bar upper 172, and the leg extension ankle bar lower173, and the mounting bracket 89. To operate the apparatus in thisconfiguration with the ankle bar 173, the User will sit on the bench 111with their back toward the column 91, and place their ankles between thetwo bars of the extension bar 173; such that the User's legs are inroughly a ninety degree bent position. Each repetition will be conductedby straightening the legs and then returning the legs to the ninetydegree bent position.

To operate the apparatus using the ankle bar 172, the User will lie downwith their chest flat on the bench 111, and place their ankles betweenthe bars of the leg extension bar 172. Each repetition will be conductedby bending the legs to a ninety degree position, and then returning thelegs to a substantially straight position.

And, because this apparatus applies resistance force to the User in bothdirections for each exercise movement, the second bar on the legextension ankle bars 172 and 173 is needed so that the User's ankle orfoot will push the beam 171 back to the starting position whenperforming each repetition. Otherwise the beam 171 would remain in anupright position rather than a lowered position and the User would notbe able to begin the next repetition.

All Configurations.

The maximum exercise resistance capability of the apparatus, in anyconfiguration, can be accurately matched to the expected User or Users,by way of the torque rating specified by the manufacturers of thevarious resistance mechanisms that this apparatus can be configuredwith. As a result, a wide range of exercise resistance capabilities canbe offered in different configurations of the apparatus, without theneed for all Users to purchase a robustly configured version of theapparatus, that would have considerably more exercise resistance forcecapability than they would ever need. For example, a person recuperatingin a health care facility may only require a maximum exercise resistanceof fifty pounds, and in contrast, a professional power lifter may need atotal resistance capability of five hundred pounds or more. It would beimpractical or economically undesirable for any User, to purchase anexercise apparatus that has a range of exercise resistance force that isconsiderably lower or higher than the User's actual bodily needs andcapabilities.

The ability to source a resistance mechanism from an OEM manufacturer,with a known and specific maximum torque rating for each resistancemechanism as configured, to be featured on multiple different versionsof the apparatus tailored to specific needs, is most desirable for theultimate User. Further, for potential future yet unanticipatedapplications, such as future individuals who may appear havingextraordinary strength, it will be possible to fabricate versions of theapparatus that can provide tremendous amounts of exercise resistance atthe exercise bar 31, such as one thousand pounds of resistance or eventwo thousand pounds of exercise resistance at the bar 31. In that case,it will be best for the apparatus to be constructed from reinforced orsuitably modified components, to withstand the forces exerted by suchfuture extraordinary Users upon the apparatus.

Additional Embodiments of the Apparatus

In addition to those mentioned above, there are other possibleconfigurations of the apparatus, or alternative designs that can beutilized for the various components. These include but are not limitedto the following:

As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus includes the exercise bar 31, theconnecting bars 33 and 34, and the tension bar 32. All of these bars canbe made from any number of different materials or shapes (not shown),including but not limited to: special alloys or compositions for thetension bar 32 so that any torque sensors present in the apparatus willperform maximally, or telescoping bars and curved bars for Users withspecial bodily needs, and titanium or other materials for maximumstrength.

As shown in FIG. 1, the exercise bar 31 is a straight bar.Alternatively, the apparatus may include various configurations of bars(not shown) shaped for particular exercises or special bodily needs; aswell as any manner of hand attachments for special exercises or specialbodily needs. And, there may be any variety of attachments (not shown)to the exercise bar 31 or the connecting bars 33 and 34, or the column91, to facilitate particular exercises such as the Dead Lift, NeckPress, or Forearm Curl; where specialized attachments will allow theUser to achieve the maximum benefit of the exercise. Additionally, theremay be attachments for the User's feet, or lower body, or upper body,such as straps with hook and loop attachments, to allow the User toremain in a fixed position while performing various exercises.

As shown in FIG. 1, the drive motor 36 is a twelve volt electric motor.Alternatively, an air actuated motor could be used, so that a User whoalready has an air compressor, can power the entire apparatus using anexternal air compressor (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus has one vertical column 91. Theapparatus could include an additional column 91 situated in a horizontalposition, either above the bench 111 or below the bench 111 or both, toallow for additional bodily exercise movements. The horizontalconfiguration of the column 91 would allow for additional bodilyexercises that would be of particular benefit to athletes such asbaseball players, tennis players, swimmers and Olympic rowers.

As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus has one of the bracket 71, along withthe single exercise bar 31. Alternatively the apparatus could includeadditional brackets 71 mounted to the column 91, along with additionalsets of bars 31 and 32 and 33 and 34; such that there would be more thanone exercise bar 31 for the User to select from, to achieve the mostefficient or effective bodily exercises.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the bench 111 may include an equipment box (notshown) mounted under the bench 111 to hold the weight bracket 181 andother parts such as the specialized bar or hand attachments mentionedabove.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the exercise bar 31 and the connecting bars 33 and34 are typically solid bars made from a common material such asaluminum. Alternatively, the bar 31 or the connecting bars 33 and 34 mayinclude finger tip controls or foot controls (not shown), that mayinclude wires, switches, or other such devices positioned inside thebars or outside the bars 31 and 33 and 34; so that the User can changeany of the settings or positions or exercise resistance levels of theapparatus, while performing bodily exercises. Additionally, there may bea remote control device or foot controls including a foot pedal (notshown), so that the User can more conveniently change any of thesettings or positions or exercise resistance levels of the apparatus,while performing bodily exercises.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the apparatus as configured has two round linearbearing rods, rod 94 and rod 95. These can alternatively be any possibleshape or configuration that would fulfill the intended purpose; such as,the rod 94 and rod 95 could be square or rectangular shaped, or shapedas an I-Beam, or any number of other efficacious designs.

As shown in FIG. 3, there is the air pressure gauge 61. It may bedesirable to mount additional air pressure gauges (not shown) at variousplaces on the apparatus, which will display the current air pressure inthe pneumatic resistance mechanisms; so that the User can directly seean air pressure gauge from various different positions around theapparatus. Additionally, it may be best to include an air pressure gaugethat will display not just the actual pounds of air pressure in thepneumatic resistance mechanisms, but also the equivalent amount ofpounds of weight resistance force that will be experienced by the Userat the exercise bar 31, for different air pressure readings as indicatedby the gauge.

For any configuration that includes the manual air pump 66, shown inFIG. 6, the pump 66 may be mounted in a different position (not shown)so that the User's movement of the connecting bars 33 and 34, or the legextension beam 171, will cause a compression and release of the lever onthe pump 66, such that the User will be increasing the air pressure inthe pneumatic resistance mechanisms 69 and 70, or in an air holding tankmounted on the apparatus (not shown), while performing repetitions of aphysical exercise. Thus, the User would have the option of performing anexercise in which the exercise resistance will be continuallyincreasing, without the need for a human spotter, and without any needfor an electrical configuration of this apparatus to accomplish that. Oralternatively, if the pump 66 is set up to inflate an attached airholding tank (not shown), then the User's exercise repetitions will beable to provide all the compressed air needed to power the entireapparatus, without need for the air compressor 64.

For any configuration that includes the pneumatically actuated disc 52as shown in FIG. 7A, an air holding tank (not shown) may be added to theapparatus, so that some quantity of air can be available to increase thepressure in the resistance mechanisms 69 and 70, and thus increase theexercise resistance to the User, without having to manually operate thepump 66 or run the air compressor 64.

As shown in FIG. 7B and FIG. 9B, one configuration of this apparatuswill include an electric resistance mechanism, with voice activatedcontrol using the voice recognition module 124 or the mobile device 125.In lieu of or in addition to the voice recognition module 124 or themobile device 125, there may be a simple control panel (not shown);which would include an on-off switch plus an up-down switch for thedrive motor 36 and a knob type dial plus a digital readout, for the Userto dial their selection as to what level of exercise resistance theydesire for the next exercise movement to be performed. In this case, theresistance level would best be indicated to the User as a digitalnumber.

For any configuration that includes the pneumatically actuated disc 52,the disc 52 may consist of two or more separate pieces rather than to bea one piece disc 52 as shown in FIG. 7A. This would allow for easierreplacement of the disc 52 in the future, which may be necessary forapplications where the apparatus is in constant daily use.Alternatively, the disc 52 or the hub 51 may include various additionalconfigurations such as a roller bearing disc plate (not shown) or aroller bearing hub (not shown). And, since these types of pneumaticbrakes as used in industrial machineries such as bag convertingmachines, normally are turning at an RPM ranging from fifty to severalhundred; and in contrast, in this apparatus the normal RPM while a Useris exercising will range from zero to approximately fifteen RPM, it maytherefore be best for the OEM disc manufacturers to make the disc withsome alternate material that will be better suited to this type of lowRPM application.

As shown in FIG. 7C, one embodiment of the apparatus will include thestepper motor 40 and two of the electro magnetic particle brakes 48 andthe magneto elastic torque sensor 47 on both sides of the motor 40.Alternatively, the apparatus may be configured with a stepper motor thatincludes both torque sensing and braking capabilities within the motor,to eliminate the need for the sensors 47 and the brakes 48. Otherpotential configurations may include the stepper motor 40 combined withtwo brakes 48 that would include a torque sensing capability within thebrakes 48; such that there would not be a need for any additional torquesensor such as the torque sensor 47.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the vertical column 91 may include an articulatingpower cord (not shown) mounted on the inside of the column 91, to powerthe electric mechanisms that are featured on various configurations ofthis apparatus. As the bracket 71 or the bracket 85 moves, thearticulating power cord will fold up or unfold within the column 91, toallow the bracket 71 or the bracket 85 to move up and down whilemaintaining an electric power connection to the electric mechanisms thatare mounted on the apparatus.

FIG. 9C shows a different design for the resistance mechanism bracket71. The resistance mechanism double flange support bracket 85 will bethe best design for any configuration of the apparatus that will be usedby particularly strong Users. The force applied by a very strong User tothe exercise bar 31 and thus to the tension bar 32 and the resistancemechanism double flange bracket 85, could otherwise cause the singleflange resistance mechanism bracket 71 to crack. Additionally, thedouble flange design of the double flange bracket 85 will help tostabilize the tension bar 32 and thus the exercise bar 31, when theapparatus is being operated by Users with high bodily strength, who mayotherwise have the ability to cause the tension bar 32 to bend theflange of the bracket 71 and cause the bracket 71 to crack.

As seen in FIG. 10, the vertical screw 131 will be approximately fortyeight inches in length. However, it may be appropriate for the verticalscrew 131 to be longer in length, such as if this apparatus wereconfigured to be used by a basketball team with athletes having bodilyheights of over seven feet. In that case the vertical screw 131 wouldneed to be elongated, as well as the vertical column 91 and the linearbearing rods 94 and 95.

As shown in FIG. 14A, the apparatus is configured to be mounted on avertical surface. An alternate configuration would include a weatherproof housing (not shown) for the resistance mechanism 43 and thebracket 88; so that the apparatus can be utilized in an exteriorenvironment such as along a public running path. Additionally, forinstallations in public areas, it will be best for the apparatus toinclude a safety feature so that the air pressure in the resistancemechanism 43 will be released over a short time period. This will causethe exercise bar 31 to fall down to a fully lowered position, preventingany person from walking into the bar 31; which could happen if the bar31 were to remain in a horizontal position.

Alternatively, the same mounting as shown in FIG. 14A, could be used tomount the apparatus on a ceiling or on a floor, rather than on avertical wall. The floor or ceiling mount would allow for additionalbodily exercises that would be of particular use to athletes such asbaseball players, tennis players, swimmers, and Olympic rowers.

As shown in FIG. 16A, the apparatus is configured for use by a bedriddenpatient. In this configuration with the elongated bars 37 and 38, it maybe best for the bars 37 and 38 to be made from some particularly lightweight material for ease of use and transport; so long as sufficientrigidity of the bars is maintained.

As shown in FIG. 18A, the apparatus includes the Dead Lift station 123.When performing a Dead Lift or Squat, with a resistance force amountthat is greater than the User's bodily weight, the User may be liftedoff the floor rather than for the User to pull the bar 31 down, duringthe down stroke of an exercise repetition. Thus, there could be anyvariety of attachments for this purpose, including but not limited to:straps to hold the User down to the platform 122, foot stirrups attachedto the platform 122, or ankle braces to hold the User to the platform122. And, an alternate configuration for a User to perform a Dead Liftexercise would include the bench 111 with foot indentations (not shown)below the top level of the bench 111, so that a User can stand at thefront of the apparatus to perform exercise movements such as the DeadLift. with both feet positioned in the foot indentations of the bench111.

As shown in FIG. 18A, the apparatus as configured includes the torquesensing and positioning resistance mechanism 86. An additional featurein this configuration would be a digital readout (not shown) mounted onthe apparatus in a position that can be observed by the User, to providethe User a numeric indication of the amount of force that is beingapplied by the User to the bar 31, as well as an indication of theamount of resistance force being applied by the apparatus to the User.

As shown in FIG. 18A, the apparatus includes the leg extension station175. An alternate configuration would include different attachments inplace of the station 175; such as a seated bicep curl station (notshown), or a bicycle exercise station (not shown) with two foot pedalsfor the User to perform a bicycle movement or an arm crank movement,with exercise resistance provided by the resistance mechanism 44.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE

In conclusion, and based on the descriptions of the drawings, theconfigurations and operations, and the alternative configurations asdetailed above, the reader can see that at least one embodiment of thisexercise apparatus will provide:

A resistance mechanism that is symmetrical as positioned on theapparatus, that applies an exercise resistance force to the User that issubstantially the same resistance force in both directions of exercisemovement.

A capability for infinite vertical adjustment and positioning of theprimary exercise bar that the User is in contact with while performingphysical exercises.

A capability for the apparatus to detect the actual force being appliedby the User to the apparatus; and then in response, to change theexercise resistance as applied to the User.

A capability for voice recognition, so that the User can speak commandsto the apparatus, with the apparatus responding accordingly.

A capability whereby the primary exercise bar that the User is incontact with, can be positioned on the front side or the rear side ofthe apparatus, to allow for maximum exercise effect for the User; andmultiple different bodily exercises.

A capability for the apparatus to calibrate itself against a knownquantity of free weights.

A capability to operate in locations where there is no electric power.

A capability to operate in environments where there is zero gravity orlow gravity.

A capability to provide at least one hundred pounds of exerciseresistance to the User, while maintaining a sound level of no more thanthirty decibels from the apparatus.

A capability to be mounted inside a shallow closet or a shallow wallrecess, so that the apparatus can be conveniently hidden from view whennot in use.

A capability for the maximum exercise force of the apparatus to beaccurately matched to the expected needs of the User or average Users;including the capability to provide extraordinarily high amounts ofexercise resistance force for exceptionally strong Users.

A capability to provide isometric exercises for a User.

Thus, specific compositions and methods of a multi function exerciseapparatus with a resistance mechanism have been disclosed. It should beapparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many moremodifications besides those already described are possible withoutdeparting from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subjectmatter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of thedisclosure. The invention is applicable to other embodiments or of beingpracticed or carried out in various ways; and the invention will belimited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure, all terms should beinterpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context.In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should beinterpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in anon-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements,components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with otherelements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a bar ofsufficient size to accommodate use by a human for bodily exercise; aplurality of connecting bars of equal length; a second bar that isattached to said first bar by said connecting bars and is substantiallyparallel to said first bar; said first bar having a total length that isgreater than the distance between said connecting bars; an electricresistance mechanism attached to said second bar; said electricresistance mechanism selected from a group consisting of a linearactuator brake, a linear actuator electromechanical brake, a linearactuator friction disc brake, a stepper motor brake, a servo motorbrake, a servo motor electromagnetic brake, a servo motor friction discbrake, and an electric particle brake; said electric resistancemechanism positioned substantially symmetrically on said second bar inrelation to the ends of said second bar; said first bar and saidplurality of connecting bars of equal length capable of being rotated atleast three hundred degrees around the rotational center point of saidsecond bar; and said electric resistance mechanism capable of providingat least one hundred pounds of exercise resistance to the user.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a load sensor attached to saidfirst bar or attached to said second bar or attached to said electricresistance mechanism or attached to at least one of said connectingbars.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: said electric resistancemechanism is capable of changing the exercise resistance to the user asthe user performs repetitions of an exercise, in response to the user'sselections, including a capability to vary how much said electricresistance mechanism will increase or decrease the exercise resistance,when said electric resistance mechanism does so in relation to thenumber of exercise repetitions the user performs, and whether to applythe increases or decreases to the exercise resistance when said bar twois moving in a generally upward direction or when said bar two is movingin a generally downward direction.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:said electric resistance mechanism is capable of providing a pluralityof different amounts of exercise resistance to the user, while the useris performing one or more repetitions of an exercise.
 5. The apparatusof claim 1, further comprising: a capability for the user to create anexercise routine within a mobile application; and said mobileapplication capable of communicating with the apparatus to control atleast one of the exercise variables.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5,wherein: said mobile application is capable of retaining the user'sexercise data in a remote data storage facility—aka “cloud storage.” 7.The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a capability for the userto control the apparatus by making selections on a programmable logiccontroller; and said programmable logic controller either in directconnection to the apparatus or sufficient proximity to the apparatus tocommunicate with the apparatus wirelessly.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7,wherein: said programmable logic controller does not have a screen forthe user to input exercise selections directly into said programmablelogic controller and alternatively said programmable logic controller iscapable of receiving the user's exercise selections from a mobiledevice.
 9. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a first bar of sufficientsize to accommodate use by a human user for bodily exercise; a pluralityof connecting bars of equal length; a second bar that is attached tosaid first bar by said connecting bars and is substantially parallel tosaid first bar; said first bar having a total length that is greaterthan the distance between said connecting bars; each connecting bar ofthe plurality of said connecting bars of equal length connected directlyto said first bar; said first bar and said plurality of connecting barsof equal length capable of being rotated at least three hundred degreesaround the rotational center point of said second bar; an electricresistance mechanism attached to said second bar; said electricresistance mechanism positioned substantially symmetrically on saidsecond bar in relation to the ends of said second bar; said electricresistance mechanism controlled by a programmable logic controller; andsaid programmable logic controller either in direct connection to theapparatus or sufficient proximity to the apparatus to communicate withthe apparatus wirelessly.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein: saidprogrammable logic controller does not have a screen for the user toinput exercise selections directly into said programmable logiccontroller and alternatively said programmable logic controller iscapable of receiving the user's exercise selections from a mobiledevice.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a load sensorattached to said first bar or attached to said second bar or attached tosaid electric resistance mechanism or attached to at least one of saidconnecting bars.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein: said electricresistance mechanism is capable of changing the exercise resistance tothe user as the user performs repetitions of an exercise, in response tothe user's selections, including a capability to vary how much saidelectric resistance mechanism will increase or decrease the exerciseresistance, when said electric resistance mechanism does so in relationto the number of exercise repetitions the user performs, and whether toapply the increases or decreases to the exercise resistance when saidbar two is moving in a generally upward direction or when said bar twois moving in a generally downward direction.
 13. The apparatus of claim9, wherein: said electric resistance mechanism is capable of providing aplurality of different amounts of exercise resistance to the user, whilethe user is performing one or more repetitions of an exercise.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a capability for the user tocreate an exercise routine within a mobile application; and said mobileapplication capable of communicating with the apparatus to control atleast one of the exercise variables.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14,wherein: said mobile application is capable of retaining the user'sexercise data in a remote data storage facility—aka “cloud storage.” 16.An exercise apparatus, comprising: a first bar of sufficient size toaccommodate use by a human user for bodily exercise; a plurality ofconnecting bars of equal length; a second bar that is attached to saidfirst bar by said connecting bars and is substantially parallel to saidfirst bar; said first bar having a total length that is greater than thedistance between said connecting bars; each connecting bar of theplurality of said connecting bars of equal length connected directly tosaid first bar; said first bar and said plurality of connecting bars ofequal length capable of being rotated at least one hundred eightydegrees around the rotational center point of said second bar; anelectric resistance mechanism attached to said second bar; said electricresistance mechanism positioned substantially symmetrically on saidsecond bar in relation to the ends of said second bar; a bracketattached to said second bar; said bracket having sufficient strengthsuch that the assembly of said resistance mechanism and said first barand said second bar and said connecting bars and said bracket can beattached to a stationary object, and remain attached while bodilyexercises are performed; a vertical screw mechanism attached to saidbracket; a drive mechanism attached to said vertical screw mechanism;and said drive mechanism capable of turning said vertical screwmechanism in a clockwise or counterclockwise motion.
 17. The apparatusof claim 16, further comprising: a load sensor attached to said firstbar or attached to said second bar or attached to said electricresistance mechanism or attached to at least one of said connectingbars.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein: said electric resistancemechanism is capable of changing the exercise resistance to the user asthe user performs repetitions of an exercise, in response to the user'sselections, including a capability to vary how much said electricresistance mechanism will increase or decrease the exercise resistance,when said electric resistance mechanism does so in relation to thenumber of exercise repetitions the user performs, and whether to applythe increases or decreases to the exercise resistance when said bar twois moving in a generally upward direction or when said bar two is movingin a generally downward direction.
 19. The apparatus of claim 16,wherein: said electric resistance mechanism is capable of providing aplurality of different amounts of exercise resistance to the user, whilethe user is performing one or more repetitions of an exercise.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 16, further comprising: a capability for the user tocreate an exercise routine within a mobile application; and said mobileapplication capable of communicating with the apparatus to control atleast one of the exercise variables.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20,wherein: said mobile application is capable of retaining the user'sexercise data in a remote data storage facility—aka “cloud storage.” 22.The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: a capability for the userto control the apparatus by making selections on a programmable logiccontroller; and said programmable logic controller either in directconnection to the apparatus or sufficient proximity to the apparatus tocommunicate with the apparatus wirelessly.
 23. The apparatus of claim22, wherein: said programmable logic controller does not have a screenfor the user to input exercise selections directly into saidprogrammable logic controller and alternatively said programmable logiccontroller is capable of receiving the user's exercise selections from amobile device.
 24. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a first bar ofsufficient size to accommodate use by a human user for bodily exercise;a plurality of connecting bars of equal length; a second bar that isattached to said first bar by said connecting bars and is substantiallyparallel to said first bar; said first bar having a total length that isgreater than the distance between said connecting bars; each connectingbar of the plurality of said connecting bars of equal length connecteddirectly to said first bar; said first bar and said plurality ofconnecting bars of equal length capable of being rotated at least onehundred eighty degrees around the rotational center point of said secondbar; an electric resistance mechanism attached to said second bar; abracket attached to said second bar; said electric resistance mechanismpositioned within said bracket; said electric resistance mechanismcontrolled by a programmable logic controller; and said programmablelogic controller either in direct connection to the apparatus orsufficient proximity to the apparatus to communicate with the apparatuswirelessly.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein: said programmablelogic controller does not have a screen for the user to input exerciseselections directly into said programmable logic controller andalternatively said programmable logic controller is capable of receivingthe user's exercise selections from a mobile device.
 26. The apparatusof claim 25, further comprising: a load sensor attached to said firstbar or attached to said second bar or attached to said electricresistance mechanism or attached to at least one of said connectingbars.
 27. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein: said electric resistancemechanism is capable of changing the exercise resistance to the user asthe user performs repetitions of an exercise, in response to the user'sselections, including a capability to vary how much said electricresistance mechanism will increase or decrease the exercise resistance,when said electric resistance mechanism does so in relation to thenumber of exercise repetitions the user performs, and whether to applythe increases or decreases to the exercise resistance when said bar twois moving in a generally upward direction or when said bar two is movingin a generally downward direction.
 28. The apparatus of claim 24,wherein: said electric resistance mechanism is capable of providing aplurality of different amounts of exercise resistance to the user, whilethe user is performing one or more repetitions of an exercise.
 29. Theapparatus of claim 24, further comprising: a capability for the user tocreate an exercise routine within a mobile application; and said mobileapplication capable of communicating with the apparatus to control atleast one of the exercise variables.
 30. The apparatus of claim 29,wherein: said mobile application is capable of retaining the user'sexercise data in a remote data storage facility—aka “cloud storage.”